Use unit for bank note processing machines

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to an apparatus and method for processing bank notes, in particular for singling, counting, sorting and testing the authenticity of bank notes or papers of value, which can be operated in a plurality of operating modes and wherein a display device is provided for selecting and displaying the operating modes. Such an apparatus and method are to be improved in such a way that the operator prompting can be learned easily and fast, without any sacrifice of flexibility. This is obtained by designing the display device to display icons having variable functions associated therewith that arc selectable by an input device.

BACKGROUND

This invention relates to an apparatus and method for processing banknotes, in particular for singling, counting, sorting and testing theauthenticity of bank notes or papers of value.

For bank note processing machines and money counting machines it isknown to use a display and a keyboard input unit for inputting commandsand selecting certain processing operations and for progress displays orhelp displays.

An improvement with respect to operator friendliness is obtained with aninput device and display device according to the internationalapplication WO 99/09511. This laid-open print states a bank noteprocessing machine for recognizing, testing and/or counting bank notes.Said bank note processing machine contains a touch-sensitive screenconstructed from a matrix of optically transparent switch elements whichis disposed over the display unit. The selection elements are indicatedby the display so that the operator can make a corresponding selectionby pressing on the transparent switch elements. The display issimultaneously used for displaying status information or for helpinformation. A thus constructed operator prompting is very flexible inapplication since it can easily be adapted to given or changingrequirements. Despite the easy adaptability of the operator promptingwith the touch-sensitive display as known from WO 99/09511, it has thedisadvantage that the operator is still prompted by means of text. Forinternational application, the machines must thus be adapted to theparticular national language. No simple and intuitive operator promptingis possible.

SUMMARY

It is therefore the problem of the invention to state a bank noteprocessing machine whose operator prompting is readily understandableand intuitively learnable.

According to the invention it is provided that the display unit displaysvariable functions by symbols (icons), whereby the individual,selectable functions can be selected by input means.

This has the advantage that the operator prompting is very easy to graspvisually, i.e. the operator can see at first glance by the symbols(icons, etc.) or image sequences representing a course of procedure orhelp function sequence the functions behind them. A correspondingfunction selection can be made intuitively without requiring any lengthytraining phase for the operator. Skillful design or selection of thesymbols makes the individual functions self-explanatory without anyfurther written elucidation. It is thus largely unnecessary to adapt theoperator prompting to the particular national language.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is providedthat the operator interface is divided into two areas. The first areacontains a function menu designed for selecting general commands, whilethe second part contains an operator menu for making the commandselection for the bank note processing apparatus.

Dividing the operator interface into a function menu and an operatormenu further simplifies the operation of the bank note processingmachine since the input possibilities are separated in accordance withtheir function.

It has proved advantageous to use the display unit for displaying theoperator menu, while the function menu is realized completely or partlyby separate input means (keyboard, mouse, etc.). A keyboard layoutand/or the possible activations of keys can be displayed on the displayunit.

Said separation advantageously permits the area of the display devicecontaining the function menu to also be of touch-sensitive design. Inthis case, the symbols from the operator menu area can be selected bymeans of the touch-sensitive elements from the function menu. Theselected symbols from the operator menu are advantageously displayedinversely. The input unit is realized by a transparent switch matrixdisposed over the display unit. The transparent switch matrix can alsoextend over the total area of the display unit so that inputs relatingto the operator menu can be made directly by pressing on a transparentswitch element disposed over the displayed symbol.

A further advantageous embodiment of the invention results by disposinga fingerprint sensor in the touch-sensitive display device. Thisassembly ensures in simple fashion that only authorized persons arepermitted to operate the bank note processing apparatus. The fingerprintis used for an authentication test, i.e. the determined fingerprint iscompared with the fingerprints of authorized persons contained in amemory of the bank note processing apparatus. If a determinedfingerprint matches a stored one, operation of the bank note processingmachine is permitted, otherwise the functions cannot be executed or onlyin part.

In addition to simplifying the operator prompting by symbolic display ofprocessing operations or functions, simple operator prompting can alsobe obtained if the bank note processing machine contains an acousticinput and output device permitting both function or operator commands tobe entered by voice input and status or error messages to be indicatedby voice output. This embodiment does again require country-specificadaptation of the machines, but it provides simple and readilyunderstandable operator prompting.

The inventive method provides that functions and operator commands areselected either by keys whose functions and possible activations aredisplayed on the display panel, or by pressing on transparent switchelements, the functions or commands being displayed by symbols on adisplay unit located under the transparent switch elements. Advantageousembodiments of the method result from the dependent claims.

In particular, the recording of the fingerprint can also be used foreffecting operator-unique defaults. The recorded fingerprint isassociated with one operator. From this association, user-uniquedefaults can be loaded which are made available as the initial menu.Said defaults can of course be changed for further operation. Similarly,the fingerprint can also be used to enable a limited function selectionso that not all functions of the bank note processing machine areenabled for all users.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following, the invention will be explained in more detail withreference to FIGS. 1 to 3, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of the inventive apparatus,

FIG. 2 shows a touch-sensitive display device of the invention, and

FIG. 3 shows a touch-sensitive display device with an activatedfunction.

FIG. 4 shows a help function sequence.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows in simplified form a block diagram of an inventive banknote processing machine, indicating only the elements relevant to theinvention.

Display device 2 having operating unit 21 associated therewith isconnected with central control unit 1, normally the CPU (centralprocessing unit) of the bank note processing machine.

The central control unit is further connected with ROM 5 and nonvolatilememory 4 as well as drive elements 3 for driving the individual functionunits of the bank note processing machine.

Nonvolatile memory 4 stores not only the usual program data but also thesymbols to be displayed on the display device.

Display/operator module 2, 21 may consist of a display unit suitable fordisplaying symbols and an operating unit, whereby operating unit 21 maybe a keyboard, a transparent switch matrix superimposed on displaydevice 2, or the like.

Alternatively or additionally, the inventive apparatus may also containacoustic voice input/output unit 6 for inputting operator commands ormenu selection commands by means of a microphone. Error messages orstatus messages may accordingly be transmitted to the operator by voiceoutput.

A combined visual and acoustic operator prompting can provide that atleast simple function commands, for example cursor movements, areeffected by means of voice input, while the other commands are inputtedby the touch-sensitive switch elements on the display unit oraccordingly associated separate keys.

FIG. 2 shows, without limiting the generality, an example of the screenstructure of touch-sensitive display device 10. The display deviceconsists substantially of a known display device with a transparentswitch matrix superimposed thereon. The switch matrix is divided intodifferent segments having certain functions associated therewith byassociation by means of the display unit. The association is effected bythe central control unit in connection with the data stored in thenonvolatile memory.

Touch-sensitive display device 10 is preferably divided into functionmenu 12 and operator menu 11. Function menu 12 contains generalfunctions serving to drive the bank note processing machine, such asstarting a selected function with key 122 or stopping it with key 121.Further, the function menu contains keys for controlling the operatormenu, such as cursor keys 123 to 126, enter key 127 for selecting a menulevel of the operator menu, or selection key 128 for selecting afunction of the operator menu. Further, correction key 129 is providedin the shown example.

Besides function menu 12, the touch-sensitive display device accordingto FIG. 2 contains operator menu 11. Just as in function menu 12, theindividual menu items are displayed in the operator menu bylanguage-independent symbols. For example, at 14 one can see the symbolfor face sorting. In this sort mode, the bank notes are sorted accordingto the direction of a picture or writing disposed thereon.

Further, the menu displays position sorting symbol 13. In this sortmode, the position of a first singled bank note is used as a referenceposition. The position of the next bank note that does not match thereference position of the first bank note is used as a second referenceposition. In the bank note sorter the bank notes are then deposited inthe different singling pockets in accordance with their variouspositions.

A further sort mode is given by denomination separation, which is markedby symbol 15 in the menu. This sort mode also makes use of first andsecond reference bank notes. The denomination of the first singled banknote serves as the first reference denomination, while the denominationof the next bank note that does not match the reference denomination ofthe first bank note is used as the second reference denomination.

Symbol 18 represents the selection of the count mode. Solely the numberof singled bills is counted here without heeding any other criteria, forexample position or denomination. The stackers contained in the banknote processing machine work in tandem operation, for example in thecase of two stackers. When the count mode symbol is selected, a counterfield (not shown in the Figure) is displayed therebelow that states thenumber of counted bank notes.

The operating mode of the bank note processing machine is selected withsymbol 17. Substantially three operating mode classes are available. Thefirst class is given by the batch mode, which contains the denominationcount, reject entry and result report. The second operating mode classis the deposit mode. This mode comprises the denomination count, rejectentry, over/short calculation and result report. The third class isformed by the fitness mode, which is strictly a quality sort. Theindividual operating mode classes thus contain a plurality of individualoperating modes that offer different possibilities of configuration.These possibilities of configuration are selected with the aid of thesymbol for configuration menu 16. Different adjustments can be madehere, such as setting the quality threshold values for eachdenomination, and selecting the authenticity features likewise done foreach denomination. Further, the operating modes can be defined inconfiguration menu 16 according to position, denomination, quality,stacker configuration, etc. In addition, general adjustments can be madein the configuration menu, such as setting the date/time, the displaycontrast, etc.

FIG. 3 shows a touch-sensitive display device correspondingsubstantially to that of FIG. 2. The differences of FIG. 3 over FIG. 2result substantially from providing fingerprint sensor 130, which isshown on the lower right side of the operator menu. The fingerprintsensor serves to record the fingerprint, which permits the user to callup different functions, on the one hand, or to operate the bank noteprocessing machine at all. Further, the currently usable command keys,in the present case the cursor movement key and selection key, aredisplayed inversely in the function menu. The currently selected menuitem 15 is underlaid by a border in the operator menu. Said menu itemcan be selected by selection key 127.

If not only function menu 12 is equipped with transparent,touch-sensitive switch elements, but the complete display device, i.e.also operator menu 11, is covered with transparent switch elements, amenu item, for example denomination separation 15, can also be selecteddirectly by pressing on the corresponding symbol.

It is likewise possible to associate separate keys with the displaypanel, their functions being displayed by symbols provided on the keysor their functions being rendered in associated fields of the displayunit. In the latter case, the functions of individual keys can also beeasily changed and said change made recognizable by accordingly adaptingthe symbols of the display fields.

FIG. 4 finally shows an example of the operator prompting of a helpfunction sequence for eliminating a bank note jam in the bank noteprocessing machine with reference to the first two steps. First, the jamis indicated by symbol 140, as shown in FIG. 4 a, whereby symbol 141simultaneously indicates that the operator must first open the outerhousing parts. FIG. 4 b shows the next step whereby the operator is toldby symbol 142 that the jammed bank notes are to be removed. In furthersteps not shown in FIG. 4, the operator is instructed by symbolicrepresentations to remedy the cause of the error completely.

1. An apparatus for processing bank notes arranged for singling, counting, sorting and testing the authenticity of bank notes and papers of value, and operable in a plurality of operating modes, including a batch mode, a deposit mode, and a fitness mode, each of the operating modes including a plurality of functions, the individual operating modes being displayable on a display device, wherein said display device is arranged to display non-language specific icons which are configurably associated with said functions and which are selectable to perform an associated function, wherein certain of said icons may be associated with one or more of said functions by user definition; wherein said functions include at least one from the group consisting of a denomination count function, a reject entry function, a result reporting function, an over/short calculation function, and a sorting function; wherein the display device contains a fingerprint sensor arranged to record a user's fingerprint; and wherein an initial set of said non-language specific icons are displayed according to the user's fingerprint.
 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, including an operator interface divided into a function menu and an operator menu, the function menu is arranged to enable selecting general commands and the operator menu containing the command selection for the different operating modes of the bank note processing apparatus.
 3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the display unit has a keypad associated therewith and a key layout and/or the possible activation of keys of the keypad is displayed by the display panel.
 4. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein at least the area of the display device containing the function menu is of touch-sensitive design, said touch-sensitive area being divided into a plurality of segments each having a specific function associated therewith by an underlying icon of the display unit.
 5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said fingerprint sensor is contained in said touch-sensitive area.
 6. The apparatus according to claim 1, including an acoustic input and output device that is arranged to receive function or operator commands and to output status messages.
 7. A method for processing bank notes, including singling, counting, sorting and testing the authenticity of bank notes and papers of value, and operating in a plurality of operating modes including a batch mode, a deposit mode, and a fitness mode, each of the operating modes including a plurality of user-defined or adjusted functions, and using a touch-sensitive display device for selecting and displaying the operating modes, the display device containing a fingerprint sensor arranged to record a user's fingerprint, the method comprising the steps of: selecting functions or operator commands to be selected with the aid of non-language specific icons displayed on the display device, and effecting the selection by an input unit or specific device functions; and displaying an initial set of said non-language specific icons according to the user's fingerprint; wherein the icons are configurably associated with said functions of the operating modes such that certain of said icons may be associated with one or more of said functions by user definition; and wherein said functions include at least one from the group consisting of a denomination count function, a reject entry function, a result reporting function, an over/short calculation function, and a sorting function.
 8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the selection is effected by pressing on a touch-sensitive, transparent switch matrix divided into segments and disposed over the icons displayed by the display unit, a function being selectable by actuating a transparent switch over the icon.
 9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the operator interface is divided into a function menu and an operator menu, the selection of general commands being effected by the function menu, and the command selection for operating the bank note processing apparatus being executed by the operator menu.
 10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the function and operator commands are selected or executed only by the area of the display device containing the function menu.
 11. The method according to claim 7, wherein an access authorized operator is authenticated by a fingerprint, recorded by means of the touch-sensitive display device and only access authorized persons are permitted to operate the bank note processing apparatus.
 12. The method according to claim 11, wherein an initial set of said non-language specific icons are displayed according to the user's fingerprint upon identification of an authorized operator by the fingerprint.
 13. The method according to claim 7, including the use of an acoustic input and output device to receive function or operator commands and to output status messages. 